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Hermosa Beach council opposes Senate Bill 79, urges local control over TOD development
Summary
Hermosa Beach adopted a resolution opposing SB 79, a state bill that would enable ministerial approval of higher-density development near high-frequency transit stops and grant transit agencies land‑use authority on property they own; the council voted 4–1 to send the opposition letter to state leaders.
The City Council on April 8 adopted a resolution in opposition to California Senate Bill 79, voting 4–1 to instruct the mayor to transmit a letter stating the city’s position.
What the bill would do: SB 79 (as described in staff materials) would require jurisdictions with so‑called “major transit stops” or high‑quality transit corridors to allow higher-density residential and commercial development near those stops, with ministerial approval and restrictions on the application of local development standards. The bill also includes provisions that would allow transit agencies enhanced land-use authority over properties they own or lease.
Council discussion and reasons for opposition: Staff told the council Hermosa Beach currently lacks the transit stop classifications that SB 79 targets, but noted nearby jurisdictions—Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach—could be affected. Staff said the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) recommended opposition and circulated a procedural alert asking member cities to consider support or opposition letters. Several council members said they were concerned about the bill’s limits on local land-use controls, the prospect of ministerial approval that would circumvent local processes and the potential for transit agencies to develop land without sufficient local planning input.
Public comment: Speakers were split. One commenter urged the council to remain neutral or support the bill, arguing that SB 79 would direct housing toward transit-accessible locations and advance regional affordability goals; other commenters and the city’s League of Cities contact urged opposition as protective of local planning prerogatives.
Council vote: Council voted to adopt the staff‑proposed resolution opposing SB 79 and authorized the mayor to send an opposition letter to state officials. The motion passed 4–1 (Council Member DeToy dissented).
Next steps: Staff will transmit the council’s opposition letter to the Senate committee and to Cal Cities as appropriate.
Provenance: Staff introduced the SB 79 item at s=21319.68; council vote recorded at s=22011.12.
